The King of Comedy Soundtrack (

The King of Comedy Soundtrack (1982) cover

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Rating: 7.80/10 from 118000 votes
Tags: visual metaphor, reference to tina turner
Alternate Names:
Title in Español:

El rey de la comedia

Title in Italiano:

Re per una notte

Title in Português:

O Rei da Comédia

Synopsis

Rupert Pupkin and a young woman named Masha are arguably national late night talk show host Jerry Langford's most rabid fans, the two who know each other from hanging outside the show's New York studio waiting for Jerry to emerge following tapings. While Masha just wants to be with Jerry, thirty-four year old Rupert is an aspiring comic who not only wants to be Jerry, but also wants to appear on his show to launch his stand-up career, despite he never having even performed stand-up for a real audience of any sort.

Rupert's fandom includes having a mock set in the basement of his mother's house where he lives, that set complete with cardboard cutouts of Jerry and his celebrity "guests" such as Liza Minnelli. Rupert manages to get a few minutes alone with Jerry, during which time Jerry gives him some standard platitudes in trying to get rid of him, which delusional Rupert construes to mean that they have now become best friends and that Jerry will indeed have him on the show.

Rupert uses this meeting with Jerry as a launching pad to impress Rita, a bartender who he has known and loved since they were in high school together. Rupert goes about trying to meet with Jerry again to arrange that appearance on the show. He will have to decide how far he should go, as the standard telephone calls to the studio and waiting in the reception area don't get him in to see Jerry.

Download and play the Soundtrack list

Play Title Artist
The King of Comedy
Jerry Langford Theme
Bob James: Writer
Come Rain or Come Shine
Harold Arlen: Writer
Ray Charles: Performer
Sandra Bernhard: Performer
Sweet Sixteen Bars
Ray Charles: Writer
The Finer Things
Donald Fagen: Writer
David Sanborn: Performer
Back on the Chain Gang
Chrissie Hynde: Writer
The Pretenders: Performer
Fly Me to the Moon
Frank Sinatra: Performer
Bart Howard: Writer
Swamp
David Byrne: Writer
Talking Heads: Writer
Talking Heads: Performer
Rainbow Sleeves
Tom Waits: Writer
Rickie Lee Jones: Performer
Between Trains
T'Ain't Nobody's Bizness If I Do
B.B. King: Performer
Porter Grainger: Writer
Steal The Night
Ric Ocasek: Writer
Best Of Everything
Tom Petty: Writer
Rupert's Theme
Bob James: Writer
Wonderful Remark
Van Morrison: Writer
T'Ain't Nobody's Bizness If I Do
Porter Grainger: Performer
Rupert's Theme
Bob James: Performer

User reviews

Anthony Brown
6/10

Overall, the soundtrack of The King of Comedy plays a crucial role in setting the tone of the film and immersing the audience in the twisted world of fame and obsession. The music contributes to the overall atmosphere of the movie, enhancing the storytelling and character development.

Daniel Jackson
9/10

The King of Comedy's soundtrack perfectly captures the unsettling and obsessive nature of Rupert Pupkin's character. The eerie and suspenseful tones create a sense of tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the film.

John Phillips
8/10

The soundtrack's minimalistic approach mirrors Rupert's singular focus on achieving his dream of being a stand-up comedian, creating a sense of intimacy with his character.

Ashley Green
7/10

The King of Comedy's soundtrack perfectly captures the unsettling and obsessive nature of Rupert Pupkin's character, adding depth to the film's atmosphere.

Thomas Jones
5/10

The soundtrack of The King of Comedy effectively captures the obsessive and delusional nature of the main character Rupert Pupkin. The music helps to create a sense of tension and unease, reflecting Rupert's unstable mindset as he pursues his dreams of stardom.

Ashley Davis
6/10

The use of music in the film adds depth to the character dynamics, particularly in scenes involving Rupert and Jerry Langford. The score enhances the power dynamics between the two characters, highlighting Rupert's desperation and Jerry's reluctance to engage with him.

Joseph Gonzalez
10/10

The use of jazzy and upbeat music during Rupert's delusional moments adds a layer of dark humor to the story. It contrasts with the darker themes of the film, creating a unique and engaging listening experience that complements the narrative perfectly.

Karen Miller
7/10

The haunting melodies in key moments of the film evoke a sense of unease and tension, keeping the audience on edge throughout the story.

Dorothy Lewis
1/10

The soundtrack of The King of Comedy felt repetitive and uninspired, lacking variety in musical themes to match the complex emotions portrayed in the film.

Dorothy Martinez
7/10

The incorporation of classic songs from the era adds a nostalgic touch to the film, transporting viewers back to the 1980s setting with authenticity.

Mark Miller
3/10

The score did not effectively capture the dark humor and satirical elements of the plot, resulting in a disconnect between the on-screen events and the musical accompaniment that left me feeling underwhelmed.

Donald Turner
4/10

The music failed to enhance the tension and psychological depth of Rupert Pupkin's character development, missing opportunities to create a more immersive and impactful viewing experience.

Brian Lopez
7/10

The use of jazz music in the film adds a sense of sophistication and urban grit, enhancing the contrast between Rupert's delusions and reality.

Emily Phillips
8/10

Overall, The King of Comedy's soundtrack is a crucial element in setting the tone and enhancing the psychological depth of the characters, making it a standout feature of the film.